“A promise is a promise is a promise.”
Ever heard that? I have and if I was to look back deep enough into my memory bank (which is getting harder to do as I get older 🙂 ), I am sure I will also find a time or two or three when I used it. The short end of that is simply to make a promise is to keep it. Plain and simple. One saying we used when I was a kid was “Cross my heart and hope to die.” Aaaah yeah. I don’t think I will use that these days, but when used it was saying, “Whatever I just committed to I will do.” One I never got used to hearing was “Pinky swear.” Say what? What in the world does linking pinky fingers have anything to do with anything? Well…it is simply another way to say, “I promise.”
As I read chapter 10 of Nehemiah this morning as part of my Everyday Gospel reading, the people are challenged by Ezra reading the Law, the religious leaders, the governor (Nehemiah) and others to make a commitment to follow God. In fact, it is a pretty strong commitment they are making: “(They) joined their leaders and bound themselves with an oath. They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by his servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the Lord.” (v.29) What follows are five different times they “promise” to God to keep a vow. I would like to suggest that you take the time to read it for yourself. Pay particular attention to verses 30, 31, 32, 35, and the last words of 39. There is no doubt in my mind they were totally sincere in their words and commitment.Â
But I also know human nature and it wasn’t very long until those promises were broken. We will often say, “Promises are made to be broken.” Even as I write that it sounds strange. Why would I promise something if I didn’t mean it? Here is the rub though: as I said already, I believe they were sincere. Just like I am when I make a promise. But soon the pressures of living in the world took hold and they lost their oomph to stay true. Hmmm. I know someone just like that. I see him when I look into the mirror every morning. Not that I intend on failing on my promise. I don’t ever recall saying, “Forget about my promise. I’m going to do this anyway.” It sort of just happens, and then like Peter I realize it and come to the feet of Jesus asking for forgiveness.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep” are words I’m pretty sure is not the way God wants us to be thinking. Make the promise and then ask His help in keeping it.
We can make all the promises we want, Bill, but we certainly can’t keep them without God’s help. Your examples here are so true, and I never understood the pinkie swear either. 🙂 Blessings!
That’s the thing about promises. Without God we have no hope of keeping them. I’m glad I’m not alone on the pinky swear. 🙂
I remember our young daughter whining, “But you promised!” when we had to cancel some outing because one of us was sick. Sometimes circumstances change and we can’t keep our promises—even the ones we make to God. Thankfully He is forgiving and understanding—unlike six year olds!
That is a tough one Pam. Children don’t understand all the time. I’m glad God is forgiving and understanding.
That reflection in the mirror does tend to reveal more than I would like at times. I like how you end your post… Ask His help in keeping those promises!
There sure is more than just age revealed in mine Ryan. And just as I notice the creeping lines and wrinkles, I pray I am always able to see God’s hand in my reflection.
My dad always said if you tell someone you will do something, make sure you do it. Your word is always something you have control of. My dad accepted Christ in the last few years of his life, so I think if he would say that to me today, he would add and make sure God helps you keep your word. I still go back to John 15:5, without God, I can do absolutely nothing, that includes keeping my word to others.
Excellent thought Gail. I agree with your dad. it used to be said, “Your word is your bond.” That is why handshakes were enough. now everything has to be in triplicate because it is not longer true. John 15:5 is a good verse to use for keeping your word.